The weather cooperated as Glen Hills Elementary School joined schools from around the country to celebrate “National Walk/Bike to School Day” on Wednesday, May 9.

Students rode or walked to school along with parents, siblings and members of the Cranston Police Department. A majority of the elementary school took part in the morning event.

The walkers met at the intersection of Garden Hills Dr. and Sweetbriar Dr. (cul-de-sac) and the students on bikes met at Brayton Park and all of them wore an approved bike helmet.

The walkers were led by school resource officer Derek DiMeo in his police car and Glen Hills Elementary School Principal Jay DeCristofaro, who drove his truck behind him. In the bed of the truck was the school mascot Gator (costume worn by Glen Hills fifth grade teacher Saka Muschiano). 

“Bike to School Day” encourages a nationwide bike-focused celebration for students in the month of May.

‘Walk/Bike to School Day’ events raise awareness of the need to create safer routes for bicycling and walking and emphasize the importance of issues such as increasing physical activity among children, pedestrian safety, reducing traffic congestion and concern for the environment. The events build connections between families, schools and the broader community.